The conflict in Myanmar is escalating, with the military battling both youth-led "People's Defence Forces" and long-established ethnic minority armed groups such as the AA, which control large areas of territory along the country's borders. The situation has led to a humanitarian crisis, with over 3.5 million people displaced, including an increase of 1.5 million from last year. The UN Development Programme warned that Rakhine is heading towards famine due to the conflict's impact on commerce and agricultural production. The UN humanitarian agency OCHA predicts a grim outlook for 2025, with 19.9 million people - more than a third of the population - likely to need aid.
https://channelnewsasia.com/asia/myanmar-junta-air-strike-kills-40-ethnic-armed-group-rescue-worker-4847826The Israel-Hamas war has resulted in a devastating loss of life, with Gaza's Health Ministry reporting that more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 109,000 wounded. The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, has caused widespread destruction in Gaza, displacing around 90% of its 2.3 million residents. Women and children make up more than half the fatalities, with many killed in residential areas or while seeking shelter in hospitals. The Israeli military claims to have killed over 17,000 militants, but this figure is disputed. Despite indirect talks mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, a ceasefire remains elusive, with major obstacles hindering progress.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/gazas-health-ministry-says-the-palestinian-death-toll-from-war-surpassed-46000/article69080476.eceThe Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries have strengthened their collaboration on payment connectivity through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU, signed in November 2022, aims to develop more efficient and inclusive cross-border payments. In addition to this initiative, the Philippines has also partnered with Pacific island countries under the Philippine-Pacific Health Initiative, launched in November 2023, to address health workforce shortages in the region.
https://channelnewsasia.com/asia/philippines-asia-pacific-asean-south-china-sea-donald-trump-enrique-manalo-multilateralism-4847571The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has remained a bright spot for investments despite the global economic turmoil. Since its establishment as the Asean Economic Community a decade ago, the region has made progress in regional integration and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). For instance, UOB's FDI advisory unit was launched in Indonesia in 2013, indicating the growing interest of investors in the region.
https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3293376/asean-remains-investment-bright-spot-messy-global-economy?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionThe Australian Lowy Asia Power Index ranked US President Joe Biden lower than his predecessor Donald Trump in terms of economic influence in the region, citing that Biden maintained all of Trump's tariffs but failed to negotiate new trade agreements like those with Canada and Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement or Japan. This decision was seen as a missed opportunity to stay in the Trans-Pacific Partnership and avoid threatening the North American Free Trade Agreement. In contrast, Trump had negotiated several trade deals during his presidency. The Biden administration's Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) was proposed as an alternative, but it was hindered by opposition from anti-trade ideologues within the US Trade Representative's office.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-01-10/opinion/columns/Assessing-the-Biden-administrations-legacy-in-Asia/2219075The article discusses various news topics from around the world, including a commentary on the challenges faced by medium-sized nations in this century and the potential of BRICS to become a new fulcrum of world politics. It also touches on the economic and political prospects of Europe, China's role as a climate leader, and the importance of independent directors in corporate governance. Additionally, it highlights concerns about the use of artificial intelligence by tech companies such as Sam Altman's company.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion-features/pity-middle-sized-nations-worldChina's Permanent Mission to the United Nations has called for increased international cooperation to support Syria in achieving stability and development, emphasizing the need for a Syrian-led and owned political process aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202501/1326549.shtmlChinese companies have made a strong presence at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, despite concerns over potential tariffs imposed by incoming US President Donald Trump. Companies such as XPeng and TCL showcased their innovative products, including a "flying car" and an AI-enhanced television. However, the threat of 60 percent tariffs on Chinese goods has loomed large over the event, with some analysts viewing it as a negotiating tactic. Chinese companies have expressed varying levels of concern about the threat, with some, such as Jitlife and Mammotion Technology Co., acknowledging unease but also planning to shift production to other countries to avoid the tariffs. Others, like Shenzhen Haoqitansuo Technology, are brushing off the threat, predicting that their products will still attract US customers despite new tariffs. The Consumer Technology Association has expressed hope that Trump will pivot from his aggressive trade posture and avoid unnecessary tariffs, which would be devastating for the industry. US companies at CES have also steered away from political discussion, but executives have expressed concerns about the potential impact of tariffs on their businesses.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/national_news/trade-war-worries-loom-over-las-vegas-tech-show/article_ba3571cd-73f8-51dd-a62d-efff24b174cc.htmlViolence has erupted in Myanmar as a military vehicle dropped an explosive near a house, amidst ongoing conflict that began after the military seized power in a 2021 coup. The situation is part of a larger struggle between the military and pro-democracy forces, which have led to widespread displacement of civilians.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/09/world/myanmar-military-adopts-anti-junta-fighters-drone-tactics/2036066